The body of writer Eduardo Galeano was laid to rest today in a wake held in Uruguay’s Congress in Montevideo, as those present applauded and paid homage to one of Latin America’s premier authors and story-tellers of the last century.
Galeano, whose works included «The open veins of Latin America», passed away yesterday in the Uruguayan capital, after losing his fight with lung cancer at the age of 74.
«I have come to pay my respects, and say farewell to a great Latin American and a brilliant writer, President of Uruguay Tabaré Vázquez told reporters as he arrived at the wake.
The head of state added that «Open veins,» the story of the exploitation of the continent which has been translated into more than 20 languages, «is still greatly relevant today,» while acknowledging the criticism that Galeano himself made of the book in recent years.
Alongside Uruguayan politicians and intellectuals, Venezuelan vice-president Jorge Arreaza and Spanish singer Joan Manuel Serrat were among those present to say their last goodbyes to the author.
Tributes to Galeano, meanwhile, poured in from around the world as news of his passing was made public. The Presidents of Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador and Venezuela all paid public tribute to the Uruguayan, as did many names from the world of literature.
buenosairesherald.com